Theatrum Maius, Pompeii, Italy


Date
2nd Century BCE
Description
The large theater at Pompeii is like its Greek counterparts, in that it adapts to the natural inclination of the terrain. It was not covered with a permanent canopy, as was the small theater, and it could accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. Pompeii, founded in the 6th century BCE by the Oscans (an Italic people), it came under Roman rule after the Samnite wars. By the first century CE it was a prosperous provincial capital with a population estimated between 20, 000 and 25,000 people. In 62 CE Pompeii experienced a major earthquake which resulted in heavy damage. The town was rapidly reconstructed and restored. The people and the administration used the damage as motivation to enrich their town with abundant architectural and artistic projects. Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted in 79 CE, burying the town with approximately 20ft of pumice and ash. Excavations began in the 17th century. A large part of what we know about the daily life of ancient Romans is attributable to these excavations. The Archivision Collection of Ancient Sites was funded by the Jack Martin Balcer Library Endowment. Keywords: Italy, Campania, Napoli, Pompeii (deserted settlement), Mediterranean. Photographed by Scott Gilchrist, Archivision.
Style/Period
Roman
Material
stone and/or rock